DIY recipe: A natural insect repellent spray that works even better than DEET

Hello chemicals. Loads of them. Like DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). Which is a staple in commercial insect repellants and has been known to have harsh side effects, including rashes, skin irritation, dizziness, headache, nausea, disorientation, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, headache, muscle weakness and fatigue, shortness of breath and joint pain. It’s also toxic to birds and aquatic life.

Because in a world seriously overloaded with toxic chemicals, why would you want to add to the burden on your bodies with noxious insect repellants? When you can easily make one loaded with all kinds of clean, green and good stuff right at home? For a fraction of the price and in about 10 minutes?

This one is based on a 15th century French recipe called Vinegar of the Four Thieves, which was said not to repel just bugs but also several kinds of virus. Legend says thieves used it to keep the Black Plague at bay, along with flies and other pests. So, if it worked for them… !

How to make the natural insect repellant

Spray on clean skin and gently rub in as and when needed; shake well before every usage

Why it works

These natural botanicals are potent insect repellants. In fact, studies hold that these may be even more effective than DEET in keeping bugs at bay. For example, a study conducted by Consumer Reports show that spray-on repellents made of lemon eucalyptus oil were able to keep mosquitoes and ticks away for at least seven hours!